Clothing item with integrated panty liner

ABSTRACT

A clothing item includes a main body with a panty liner attached to an interior facing surface thereof. The clothing item can provide privacy covering for girls, especially young girls. Such privacy protection can avoid unintentional or unknowing exposure of a girl&#39;s panties or private areas when skirts or dresses are worn. The clothing item can provide comfort to the wearer and reduce the number of layers worn.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/803,726, filed on Mar. 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments relate in general to clothing items and, more particularly, to clothing items that can provide privacy protection/modesty.

BACKGROUND

Many young girls wear dresses, skirts and school uniforms. These items do not always provide sufficient privacy for the wearer because, in some instances, the wearer's underwear or private areas can be exposed. Some young girls wear privacy or modesty shorts under their dresses, skirts and school uniforms. Such shorts provide a level of privacy that may not be afforded by a dress, skirt or uniform alone. However, the multiple layers of underwear, shorts and outerwear can be uncomfortable for the wearer and may impede a full range of motion.

SUMMARY

Arrangements relate to a clothing item (e.g. shorts, leggings, etc.) having an integrated panty liner. Such clothing items can provide comfort and privacy protection/modesty, particularly for girls.

In one respect, arrangements are directed to a clothing item. The clothing item includes a main body. The main body has an exterior facing surface and an interior facing surface. The main body has a crotch region. The main body has a body receiving opening and two leg receiving openings. In one or more implementations, the main body can be configured as shorts. In such case, the main body can have leg portions.

The clothing item can include a party liner. The panty liner can be attached to the interior facing surface in the crotch region. The panty liner can have any suitable shape. For instance, the panty liner can be substantially diamond shaped. The panty liner can be substantially rectangular. The panty liner can have a plurality of sides. Each of the sides can have an associated length. The lengths of the sides can be substantially equal.

In one or more arrangements, the panty liner can have two opposing corners. At least a portion of each of the two opposing corners can be covered by a portion of the main body. In such an arrangement, each of the two opposing corners can be located proximate to a respective one of the leg openings.

The panty liner can be attached to the main body in any suitable manner. For instance, the panty liner can be attached to the main body by stitching. In such case, the stitching can be provided proximate to one or more sides of the panty liner. In one arrangement, the stitching can be provided about the entire perimeter of the panty liner.

The panty liner can be made of any suitable material. As an example, the panty liner can be made of cotton.

In another respect, embodiments are directed to a clothing item. The clothing item includes a main body configured as shorts. The main body can include leg portions. The main body can have an exterior facing surface and an interior facing surface. The main body can have a crotch region. The main body can have a body receiving opening and two leg receiving openings.

The clothing item includes a party liner. The panty liner can be attached to the interior facing surface in the crotch region. The panty liner can be substantially diamond shaped with four sides and four corners. Each of the sides can have an associated length. In one or more arrangements, the lengths of the sides can be substantially equal.

The panty liner can be arranged such that the corners of an opposing pair of the corner are located proximate to a respective one of the leg openings. The two corners located proximate to a respective one of the leg openings can be at least partially covered by a portion of the main body.

The panty liner can be attached to the main body in any suitable manner. For instance, the panty liner can be attached to the main body by stitching. In such case, the stitching can be provided proximate to one or more sides of the panty liner. In one arrangement, the stitching can be provided about the entire perimeter of the panty liner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a clothing item having an integrated panty liner.

FIG. 2 is a view of the interior of the clothing item, showing an integrated panty liner.

FIG. 3 is a view of the clothing item having an integrated panty liner, the clothing item being shown inside out.

FIG. 4 is a view of the clothing item having an integrated panty liner, the clothing item being shown inside out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Arrangements described herein relate to clothing items and, more particularly, clothing items that can provide comfort and/or privacy protection/modesty, particularly for girls. Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as exemplary. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the aspects herein in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of possible implementations. Arrangements are shown in FIGS. 1-4, but the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated structure or application.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details.

An example of a clothing item 10 according to arrangements herein is shown in FIG. 1. As used herein, the term “clothing item” means any article that is intended to be worn and that covers at least a portion of the body of the wearer from about the waist or hips to some point below. For instance, the clothing item 10 may sit above the waist or hip area of the wearer and extend below the thigh of the wearer. In some instances, the clothing item 10 may sit at or below the waist or hip area. By way of example, the clothing item 10 can be shorts, pants, leggings, etc. The clothing item 10 can be worn as an undergarment or an outer garment. While embodiments described herein are directed to clothing items for young girls, it will be understood that embodiments are can be used in connection with clothing items for females of any age. The clothing item 10 can be configured to provide privacy, covering and/or comfort to the wearer.

The clothing item 10 can be made of any suitable material. As an example, the clothing item 10 can be made of cotton. In one implementation, the clothing item 10 can be made of spandex. In one implementation, the clothing item 10 can be made of cotton and spandex. More particularly, the clothing item 10 can be made of about 95% cotton and about 5% spandex. The clothing item 10 can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials that can maximize privacy and/or comfort.

The clothing item 10 can have any suitable construction. As an example, the clothing item 10 can be made of a plurality of individual panels or portions. The plurality of panels can be joined together in any suitable manner, such as by stitching, sewing, clips, Velcro, buttons, adhesives, fasteners, or any other means. The clothing item 10 can provide one or more pockets or other compartments therein. The clothing item 10 can have an exterior facing surface 13 (FIG. 1) and an interior facing surface 15 (FIGS. 2-4). The terms “interior” and “exterior” are used relative to a wearer's body when the clothing item 10 is worn in the intended manner.

The clothing item 10 can have any suitable configuration. For instance, when the clothing item 10 is shorts, the shorts can be a brief cut design. The shorts can be configured to provide maximum privacy and covering. The clothing item 10 can have any suitable size. For instance, the clothing item 10 can be sized for girls in the range of 2 to 12 years old. The shorts can have multiple uses. The shorts can be worn under skirts, dresses or other item of clothing at any suitable time (e.g. during playtime activities). The shorts can also be worn as an outer garment. The clothing item 10 can be sized as appropriate for an intended wearer.

The clothing item 10 can have one or more openings to receive a portion of a wearer's body. For instance, the clothing item 10 can include a body receiving opening 20. The body receiving opening 20 can receive a portion of a wearer's torso, abdomen, waist or other portion of the body 20. Alternatively or in addition, the clothing item 10 can include one or more leg receiving openings 22. In one or more implementations, one or more of the opening 20, 22 can be configured to provide a conforming fit, comfort and/or privacy. As an example, the body receiving opening 20 can include an elastic band 24 or other elastic or stretchable material. In one or more implementations, one or both of the leg receiving openings 22 can include an elastic band (not shown) or other elastic or stretchable material.

In some implementations, the clothing item 10 can include leg portions 30. The leg portions 30 can extend along a suitable length of a wearer's leg. The length can depend on the configuration of the clothing item 10. The leg portions 30 can help to provide privacy by keeping the ends of the clothing item 10 away from private areas of a wearer.

Referring to FIG. 2, the clothing item 10 can include a panty liner 12. The panty liner 12 can provide privacy, protection and/or comfort for girls. The panty liner 12 can be provided on the interior of the clothing item 10. The panty liner 12 can be attached to the interior facing surface 15 of the clothing item 10 and, more particularly, in a crotch region 17 thereof. The panty liner 12 can be attached to the clothing item 10 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by stitching 40 (see FIG. 2), sewing, clips, Velcro, buttons, adhesives, or any other means. The attachment can be temporary or permanent. In some instances, the panty liner 12 can be configured to be removed and replaced.

The panty liner 12 can be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the panty liner 12 can be made of 100% cotton. However, other materials and/or combinations of materials are possible. The panty liner 12 can be a single layer. Alternatively, the panty liner 12 can include a plurality of layers.

The panty liner 12 can be relatively small compared to the rest of the clothing item 10. Thus, the panty liner 12 can provide the function of a panty. Such functionality can be provided in a localized area. As a result, the wearer can avoid having to wear underwear under the clothing item 10, thereby avoiding an extra layer of clothing. The panty liner 12 is not visible from the outside of the clothing item 10.

The panty liner 12 can have any suitable configuration. In one implementation, the panty liner 12 can have a generally diamond shaped configuration. An example of such a configuration is shown in FIGS. 2-4. A diamond shape configuration can minimize bunching of the shorts in the crotch and leg opening 22 areas. As is apparent from FIG. 1, there is no bunching near leg openings and liner area.

In one or more arrangements, the diamond shape panty liner 12 can have four sides of substantially equal length, as is shown in FIG. 2. The adjoining sides of the panty liner 12 can have any suitable orientation relative to each other. In one or more implementations, at least one pair of adjoining sides can be at substantially 90 degrees to each other one, as is shown in FIG. 2. In one or more implementations, the sides can be at substantially 90 degrees relative to each other. In one arrangement, the panty liner 12 can be substantially rectangular and, more particularly, substantially square. In some implementations, a least one pair of adjoining sides of the panty liner can be angled at less than 90 degrees to each other. In some implementations, at least one pair of adjoining sides of the panty liner can be angled at more than 90 degrees to each other.

In one or more implementations, the panty liner 12 can be attached to the main body 11 by stitching 40 along and proximate to the sides thereof. In some instances, the panty liner 12 can be attached to the main body 11 by stitching about the entire perimeter of the panty liner 12, that is, along all sides of the panty liner 12, as is shown in FIG. 2. Further, in one or more arrangements, one or more of the corners 16 of the panty liner 12 can be attached beneath a portion of the main body 11. FIG. 2 shows an arrangement in which two opposing corners 16 of the panty liner 12, such as those near the leg openings 22, are at least partially covered by a portion of the main body 11. The covering of the corners 16 can be achieved in any suitable manner. For instance, the two opposing corners 16 can be sandwiched between portions of the main body. In one arrangement, the two opposing corners 16 of the panty liner 12 near the leg openings 22 can be at least partially covered by a reinforcing layer, a fold over portion of the main body, an elastic band or other portion of the main body. A construction in which at least a portion of the corners 16 are covered can further help to minimize bunching.

It will be appreciated that a clothing item configured according to embodiments herein can provide numerous advantages. For instance, a clothing item configured according to arrangements herein can provide privacy covering for girls, especially young girls. Such privacy protection can avoid unintentional or unknowing exposure of a girl's panties or private areas when skirts or dresses are worn. The clothing item can provide comfort to the wearer.

The clothing item can be versatile in its uses. It can be worn as an undergarment (e.g. under skirts or dresses) or as an outer garment (e.g. shorts). The clothing item can be can also be worn for dance, gymnastics, under school uniforms or sleepwear. Further, the clothing item can eliminate the need to wear multiple articles of undergarments (e.g., shorts and underwear) under a dress or skirt. The clothing item can reduce the amount of clothing layering one has to wear and can eliminate the need of layering garments or multiple garments. The clothing item can eliminate the need to wear bulky shorts underneath skirts and dresses for privacy that may cause discomfort. Thus, the clothing item 10 with the attached panty liner 12 can create an all-in-one multi-purpose shorts apparel solution for girls.

The terms “a” and “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language).

Aspects described herein can be embodied in other forms and combinations without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Thus, it will of course be understood that embodiments are not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clothing item comprising: a main body having an exterior facing surface and an interior facing surface, the main body having a crotch region, the main body having a body receiving opening and two leg receiving openings; and a party liner attached to the interior facing surface in the crotch region.
 2. The clothing item of claim 1, wherein the main body is configured as shorts, and wherein the main body has leg portions.
 3. The clothing item of claim 1, wherein the panty liner is substantially diamond shaped.
 4. The clothing item of claim 1, wherein the panty liner is substantially rectangular.
 5. The clothing item of claim 1, wherein the panty liner has a plurality of sides, wherein each of the sides has an associated length, and wherein the lengths of the sides are substantially equal.
 6. The clothing item of claim 1, wherein the panty liner has two opposing corners, and wherein at least a portion of the two opposing corners are covered by a portion of the main body.
 7. The clothing item of claim 6, wherein each of the two opposing corners is located proximate to a respective one of the leg openings.
 8. The clothing item of claim 1, wherein the panty liner is attached to the main body by stitching.
 9. The clothing item of claim 8, wherein the stitching is provided proximate to one or more sides of the panty liner.
 10. The clothing item of claim 9, wherein the stitching is provided about the entire perimeter of the panty liner.
 11. The clothing item of claim 1, wherein the panty liner is made of cotton.
 12. A clothing item comprising: a main body configured as shorts and having leg portions, the main body having an exterior facing surface and an interior facing surface, the main body having a crotch region, the main body having a body receiving opening and two leg receiving openings; and a party liner attached to the interior facing surface in the crotch region, the panty liner being substantially diamond shaped with four sides and four corners, the panty liner being arranged such that two of corners are located proximate to a respective one of the leg openings.
 13. The clothing item of claim 12, wherein each of the sides has an associated length, and wherein the lengths of the sides are substantially equal.
 14. The clothing item of claim 12, wherein the two corners located proximate to a respective one of the leg openings are at least partially covered by a portion of the main body.
 15. The clothing item of claim 12, wherein the panty liner is attached to the main body by stitching.
 16. The clothing item of claim 15, wherein the stitching is provided proximate to at least one side of the panty liner.
 17. The clothing item of claim 16, wherein the sides of stitching is provided about the entire perimeter of the panty liner. 